An instrument that secured the feet (and sometimes the neck and hands) of a prisoner (Job 13:27 ; Jeremiah 29:26 ; Acts 16:24 ). They were usually made of wood with holes to secure the feet. They could also be an instrument of torture by stretching the legs apart and causing the prisoner to sit in unnatural positions. The Romans often added chains along with the stocks.

Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.